Apparatus for selective intermittent printing



m 9 1 0, .1 W D 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed NOV. 15,' 1956 Dec. 10, 1957 W.RITZERFELD yET AL APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVE INTERMITTENT PRINTING FiledNov. 15, 1956 9 Sheets--Shec-rl;V 2

Dec- 10, 1957 w. RlTzERFx-:RLD ErAL 2,815,711

APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVE INTERMITTENT PRINTING Filed Nov. l5. 1956 9Sheets-Sheet 3 Dec- 10, 1957 w. Rrrzl-:RFELD ErAL 2,815,711

APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVE INTERMITTENT PRINTING Filed Nov. 15, 1956 9SheetsSheet 4 Dec. 10, 1957 Filed Nov. 15, 1956 w. RxTzERFELD ETAL i2,815,711

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APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVE INTERMITTENT PRINTING Filed Nov. 15, 1956 9Sheets-Sheet 6 Dec. l0, 1957 w. RITZERFELD ErAL 2,815,711

APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVE -INTERMITTENT PRINTING Filed Nov. 15', 1956 9Sheets-Sheet 7 Dec. 10, 1957 w.R1TzERFE| D ETAL APPARATUS PoR SELECT-IVEINTERMITTENT PRINTING Filed Nov. 15, 195e 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 im m Q .E t

Dec. l0, 1957 w. RrrzERFr-:LD rs1-Al.A 2,815,711

APPARATUS FoR sELEcTrvE vINTRRMITTERT PRINTING Filed Nov. 145, 195e 9sheets-sheet 9 Y r Invent-0n www United States Patent APPARATUS PoRsELEerIvE INTERMITTNT PRINTING wilhelm Ritzerfeld, Berlin-Dahlem, andGerhard Ritzerfeld, Berlin-Grunewald, Germany Application November15,1956, Serial No. 622,496 Claims priority, application GermanyNovember 15, 1955 24 Claims. (Cl. 101-91) The present invention refersto alprinting apparatus and more particularly to an apparatus forreproducing selectively and intermittently whole pages and sections fromprinting forms.

One object of the present invention is Ato provide a printing apparatusin which selected sectionsfrom a printing form are reproduced on a copy`sheet in a predetermined arrangement of thesesections on the copy sheetby pressing the copy sheet againstthefprinting form in a predeterminedsequence in a timed relation to the movement of the printing form.

It is another object of the invention to provide control means by whichthe operative movement of the means exerting pressure on the copy sheetvare..c ontrolled in relation to the movement of the printing v-form.

It is still another object ofthis inventionto provide electromagneticcontrol of the means which press the copy sheet against the form.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide electricimpulse generating means which control the action of the electromagneticmeans.

A further object of this invention is to provide a str 11cture which isthroughout composedof ruggedly conf structed parts and elements whichassure a continuous reliable operation of the apparatus.

With the above objects in view, the present invention mainly consists ina printing apparatusincluding a printing roll carried for rotation inthe frame of the apparatus,` means for pressing a copy sheet against aform attached to the printing roll, electrical moving means forcontrolling the application of pressure, and electric impulse generatingmeans selectively controlledfor the purpose of applying the pressure tothe copy sheet through the electrical moving means in such a manner thatselected sections of the printing form are reproduced on die` copy sheetby intermittent printing. In one preferred embodiment of the inventionthe electrical impulses are created by induction means passing a set ofinduction coil means whereby an impulse is generated in the coils everytime when the induction means passes one of the coils, the individualmembers of the set of induction coil means being selectively controlledby a set of switches' associated respectively with the set of inductioncoils so that by presetting the switches the selected members of the setof induction coil means are placed in acondition for transmitting theimpulse to the means providedfor movingthe pressure device intoengagement with the copy sheet. f

In another embodiment of the `present invention the electrical impulsesare generated by a set of induction means passing a stationary inductioncoil means whereby an impulse is created in the coil wheneverone ortheother of the induction means passes the coil,- the individuall membersof the set of induction means being vmovable to and from an operativeposition by manual preseltting thereof, so that by lproper selectivesetting of themem? bers of the set of induction means selectedportionspfthe printing form will be printed in accordance with the ICC presetting'of the, induction means associated with the selected sections of theprinting form;

in another embodimentof the invention the electrical impulses arecreated Aby ,photoelectric means comprising a source of light andaphoto-sensitive cell. in one form of this embodiment a photoelectriccell passes a set of sources of light aSSQQiated with the varioussections of the printing form, in 'anotherjormofthis embodiment a lightsource-passes afset of photo-electric cells associated likewise ywiththe printingform',` sothat in either case an impulse is 4 generatedwhenever` aprieto-electric cell and a source of light ,are in operativeposition opposite each other. Selectorl means including asetV ofswitches associated withthesections of the printing form are pro videdfor presetting.andpreparing a circuitfor the individual selected photofelectric means whereby in operation the' movingmeans ,areselectively operated for reproducing only the selected sections of theprinting form;

In `another embodiment of this vinvention the electrical impulses arecreated bythe closing and opening of a set of selectivecontactsassociated with the sections of the printing form whereby in an electriccircuit a resistor is shunted by the closing' of selected4 contacts;Selection of contacts is madebyasetof switches associated withthesections of the printing form whereby the circuit is presetandvprepared forcperating the device `for exerting pressure on the copysheet only when the selected contacts are closed.

l .Inall the embodiments; of; this invention theelectric circuitconnected to tne electromagnetic means controlling tnepressure devicecontains electronic meanswhich act with great rapidity withoutinertiaand without the danger of wear and tear in the course of the use of theapparat-11.5 i

Still in .anotherembodiment of this inventionia rapid action of theelectromagnetic lmeans controlling the pressure device is, obtained by.including inthe Vcircuit. rectifier. and a combinationfa capacitor and aresistor.`

The novel features which ,are `considered as characteristicr for theinvention ,aresetforth in particular in the appended claims. Theinvention itself;` however, both asto its construction'an'd its methodof operation, together with additional objects andi advantages thereof,will be best understood from the following description of specificembodiments when read-in connection with the accompnying drawings', inwhich: n r

Fig. 1 is' a lateralv View of-n e embodiment of .the inventiori, theleft sidewall of theV fl'raieof the machine being omitted! for thesk'e'rf clarity and of showing the parts inside of the me'c'lianisrn`the partial sections being taken along line A-B of-Fig. 2';

`Fig. 2 is a sectin'al view taken along line C-D of Fig" l; n 4 i Fig. 4is a lateral ofzanotherembodiment of `the invention, the left sidewallthe fr 'a'rrlie'of` the yapparatus being for the alie ofclarit'yhepartial sections beine taken alonelijneIvlvpfrigga Fig. v5 isvmainlya` v viringfdiagrani illustrating the electricalmeans used thisembodimen t;

FigV 6 is a sectioril view taken along line --F of Fig 4; v .u

Fig. 7 is a partiaLNiew .of details of the control mechanilsrn as viewedy clire'cftitnli ofarrow G in Fig. 6;

Fig, 8 fshows p Vrgitially `in ition, details of the drive means usedinwthis enrbodim nt' iiivention, the leftside wall oftheframe of theapparatus being omitted for the sake of clarity;

Fig. is a wiring diagram showing the electrical means used inthisembodiment; and

Fig. 11 is mainly an electrical wiring diagram illustrating theelectrical and to some extent the mechanical means used in Ystillanother' embodiment of this invention.

Referring now to Figs. 1-3, a printing roll 1 is mounted for rotation ona shaft 3 in the'frame A, and is adapted to have a printing form 2attached to it. The printing roll 1 is driven from a motor, not shown,through a belt 8 and a pulley 7 on an intermediate shaft B, and fromthere through a chain 6 and chain sprockets 5 and 4.

By manual operation of a main lever 9 the counter roll 10 is set forVarious pressures to be exerted by'it on a copy sheet 21 fed into thebight existing between counter roll 10 and printing roll 1. By operatingthe lever 9 at the same time a normally closed main switch 11 is movedinto closed position. f Hereby all the electric means used in the deviceare connected with-thesourcel of energy. At the same time a pressurecontrol lever 13 is moved through a link 12 into'variousselected-*positions determining the amountof pressure to be exerted andis locked in selected positions by engagementwith notches on an arcuatestrip 14. By turning the lever 13 the eccentric shaft 15 is turned whichsupports the toggle lever 16. This lever 16 is connected by a pivot pin18 to a second toggle lever 17 connected to the counter roll 10. Thecounter roll 10 is otherwise carried by brackets 25 which are turnablearound a stationary pivot or axle 26. It will be shown that the pressureexerted by` the counter roll 10 on the copy sheet 21 when inoperativeposition is increased by swinging the lever 13 in clockwisedirection as seen in Fig. 1.

The copy sheet 21 is fed intothe apparatus by means of cooperating feedrollers 22 and 23. The area where pressure is exerted for the purpose ofreproduction on sheet 21 by the counter roll 10 is symbolized by theline The selective control of the apparatus is effected by operating aset of switches associated with key buttons T1 to T15 which arerespectively associated with the sections Z1, Z2, Z3, etc. of theprinting form 2.

The moving device for the counter roll 10, including brackets 25 and anumber of cooperating levers and linkages, is operated by actuatormeans. These actuator means include rotary supporting elements or discs62, 63, 64 mounted on a secondary shaft 34 supported in the frame A. Theshaft 34 is drivenl in synchronism with the printing roll 1 by means ofa gear train 31, 32, 33. Each disc 62, 63, 64 carries a series ofactuating rollers'65 arranged along its circumference o'n a circleconcentric with the axis of shaft 34.' The sets of actuating rollers 65are respectively associated with the'sections Z1, Z2, Z3,l etc. of theprinting form 2. However, since in this embodiment of the invention aplurality'of supporting elements is provided, the individual actuatingrollers 65 of each disc 62, 63, 64 are spaced from each other so as tocorrespond to every third section of the printing form, and morespecically the set of rollers 65 are offset with respect to each otherfrom one disc to the other by an interval corresponding to one spacebetween consecutive sections or lines of the printing form 2.

It should be understood that the multiple arrangement just described isadvisable'whenever the spacing from section to section on the printingform is a comparatively narrow line spacing. y In case of'wider spacingbetween the successive sections of the printing form a multiplearrangement is not necessary and the apparatus may be provided only witha single set of actuator means and of the corresponding devices foroperating the counter roll 10. On the other hand, While in the presentexample three actuating units are described, this number is not limitedand may be increased if desired or advisable.

' The above-mentioned keyboard T14 to T15 is provided for selectivelypresetting the apparatus 'for reproducing by intermittent printingaselected sequence of Sections Z1,

CII

Z2 etc. of the printing form 2. By pressing any one ofthekeys.-.T1,..T2, T3, etc. an associated switch is closed and thereby acircuit is preset or prepared for connecting a correspondingly selectedmember of the impulse generating means with the electromagnetic meansoperating the counter roller 10.

The electric impulse generating means in this embodiment of theinvention include three sets of permanent magnets 68 located along acircle concentric with shaft 34 on stationary supporting elements C. Themagnets 68 are spaced from each other by the same angular intervals asthe rollers 65 of the corresponding disc 62, 63, 64, respectively. Eachmagnet 68 is provided with two pole pieces 68a, and each pole piece isprovided with a coil 70, 71, respectively, wound around it. The polepieces 68a are formed so as to leave only a very narrow gap 68h betweentheir free ends. This gap may for instance be in the magnitude ofapproximately one-hundredths of an inch'.W The coils 70, 71 may have aresistance of between 2,600 and 4,000-ohms. The lines of force of themagnets extend 'through the coils 70, 71. Therefore, if inductor meansas for instance a piece of soft iron 69 passes by the gap 68b a currentof rather high frequency is induced in the coils 70, 71, and thiscurrent is used for igniting the thyratron tubes 75, 76, 77,respectively.

One induction coil means 68-71 is coordinated with and associated witheach of the actuating elements or rollers 65. The gaps 68b of one set ofinduction coil means is located on a circle concentric with the shaft34, andthe corresponding rotary supporting element or disc 62,63, 64,respectively, carries the soft iron element 69 at a radial distance fromthe center of shaft 34 equal to the radius of the circle on which thegaps 6812 are located. When, during rotation -of shaft 34 currents areinduced in the coils 70, 71 of the individual induction coil means, thiscurrent can only be transmitted to the electromagnetic device of theapparatus from those coils which are con-A nected with theelectromagnetic device by the switches forming part of the keyboard T1,T2, T3, etc. In other words, only the preselected keys of the keyboardwhich have been operated for closing the corresponding switch, willpermit the induced current to ow through con- -densers 72, 73, 74,respectively, to the control grids of the thyratron tubes 75, 76, 77,respectively, associated with certain actuating rollers 65 and withsolenoids 23, 23a, 28b, respectively. The current induced in the coilsconstitutes the electric impulse which ignites the tubes 7 5, '76, 77which otherwise are blocked by a negative bias potential/and thereby adirect lcurrent is caused or permitted to ow between the cathode andanode and into the solenoids 28, 28a, 28b, respectively. ln this mannerthe solenoids are energized so as to move the counter roll itl intoprinting position. f

AVAs can be gathered from the wiring diagram of Fig. 3, each tube75, 76,77, respectively, is associated with a cir cuit containing the tube 78,79, 80, respectively, the cooperating tubes in each set of tubes havingopposite phase relationship with respect to each other. This results ina rapid energization of the solenoids 28, 28a, 28b, respectively, and inpromptly interrupting the direct current flowing through the tube 75,76, 77, respectively.

For the purpose of selectively and intermittently operating the counterroll 10, the movement of the armatures of the solenoids 28, 28a, 28h,respectively, when energized, is transmitted to two-arm levers 83, 84,85. respectively, through links 80, S1, 82, respectively. Other levers89,Y 90, 91, respectively, are attached to a stationary axle 48 mountedin the frame A. These levers carry the twoarm levers 83, 84, 85,respectively, rotatable around pivot pins '86, 87, '88. The ends of thetwo-arm levers are connected by links 92, 93, 94, respectively, withfeelcr arms 67, 67a, and 67b, respectively, by means of links 92, 93,94. The feeler arms 67, 67a, 67b, respectively, are loosely turnableonshaft 48 and are provided at their free ends with 9am members 66.

Whenever the two-arm levers 83', 8f4", 85, resp tively, are turned bythe above-described electromagnetic means until they abut against stoppins 95, 96, 97, respectively, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. lJ` thenthe toggle device constituted by the two-arm levers 83, 84, 85,respectively, and by the links 92, 93, 94, respectively, are turnedffromthe position shown in full lines beyond a straight relative position andinto the position shown in dotted lines,.i`n which they serve to rigidlybrace the feeler arm 67, 67a, 67h, respectively, against the pivot pins86, 87, 88, respectively. At the same time the feeler arms 67, 67:1,6771, respectively, are moved into an operative position vshown indotted lines in Fig. l.. In this operative position the correspondingcams 66 project into the circular path of the actuating roller 65 andtherefore a 'rol-ler 65 in its motion will engage the cam 66 and cause'a clockwise movement of the feeler arm 67, 67a, 67b, respectively, sincehowever this arm is braced against the pertaining pivot pin 86, S7, 83,respectively, the resulting rotary movement of the lever 49 istransferred through the angular lever 50, link 51 and toggle levers 16,17 and pivot pin 18 to the arm 25 of the counter roll 10. The counterroll 10 swinging around shaft or axle 26 is in this manner pressedagainst the voopy sheet 21 and an impression is created by the contactbetween the copy sheet 21 and the printing form 2 on the printingroll 1. It should be understood that one individual actuating roller 65will engage the feeler arm 67, 67a, 67b, respectively, only if theinduction means associated with that particular actuating roller 65 havebeen previously set into the operative connection with the electricequipment of the apparatus by operating the associated key of thekeyboard. In this manner intermittent printing is effected selectively.`As soon as the energization of the solenoid 28, 28a, 281;,respectively, ceases a spring 52 causes the entire combination of linksand levers to return into Ytheir starting or idle positions defined bythe stop pin 19, while at the same time the feeler arm with the cam 66also returns into inoperative position. y

Referring to Figs. 4-8, this embodiment contains means for operating the-counter roll directly through electromagnetic means without theinterposition of linkages and rotary actuator means. l M.,

The general arrangement of the apparatus is similar to that illustratedby Fig. l. The counter roll k10is `con-v trolled by solenoids 28, 28a,respectively, through links 9S, toggle levers 16, 17, pivot pins 18 incooperationwith the eccentric shaft 15. The counter roll 10 islsupportedby the brackets which are turnable around the stationary pivot 26. h l

The shaft 3 of the printing roll 1 is cooperatively connected with acontrol shaft 99, supported in bearingsfattached to the frame A, througha pair of bevel gearsv100, 101. The control shaft 99 carries a rotarysupporting ele-v ment in form of a disc member 102 which, in turn, isprovided With a set of pins 103 located along a circle. Each of thesepins is movable in transverse direction With respect to the disc 102 andcarries at one end a flat soft iron piece which serves as inductormeans. Disengageable locking means are provided for each pin 102 andconsist mainly of a ball 105 supported by a spring 106 so that the ball105 is able to snap into corresponding grooves in the pin 103 so as tohold it during the rotation of disc 102 either in operative orinoperative position. Perpendicular to the control shaft 99 and parallelwith disc 102 a flat stationary supporting member 107 is mounted in theframe A. The element 107 is provide-d with a set of control elementsconstituted by pins 108 which are also movable in direction transverseto the element 107 and disc 102. Each pin 108 is provided with a returnspring 109 which tends to move it into its inoperative position. Thecontrol pins 108 as well as the pins 103 are arranged along a circleconcentric with shaft 99 and of equal diameter to that of the circle ofthe pins 103, and the individual pins 108 and 103, respectively, arespaced from each other at the Same angular intervals. In this manner, instarting "tion of disc `102 ueach control element 108 is exactlyahgned'with la pin 1h03. Whenever a pin 103 is in its inoperativeposition and when the opposite control element 108 is pushed againstaction of spring 109 into its operative positi'oh vthe pin 102will bemoved into its operative position after which pin 108 returnsautomatically into its inoperative position. In this manner byselectively operating lthe pins 108 which are associated respectivelywith the section Z1, Z2, Z3, etc. of the printing form 2, any pre#setting of the inductor means 104 for selective reproduction of selectedsections of the printing form can be effected.

Induction coil means including a permanent magnet 110 and two polepieces ,provided with coils 111 and 112 is stationarily mounted in theframe in a position that the small gap left betweeny the tips of thepole pieces is lol cated at one point of the4 circular path traveled bythe inductor ymeans 104 when in operative position. Therefore,

- Whenever during rotation of the printing roll 1 and the rotarysupporting element 1,02 any one of the plates 104 passes the gapbetweenthe pole pieces of the magnet a 'curre'r1t is induced momentarily in thecoils 111 and 112.

The induced Icurrent constitutes an electric impulse which is thencarried through a condenser 113 to the conf trol grid of a tube 114 andthereby ignites this tube Which otherwise Vis blocked by a negative biaspotential. After ignition of the tube 114 a direct current is caused toow l between cathode and anode of tube 114 and to .the

solenoids 28, ,28av which are connected in parallel. Conf sequently, theimpulse transmitted to the solenoids 28 and 28d causes the latter tooperate the counter roll 10'.

Ascanlbe gatheredfrom the wiring diagram of Fig. 5, the tube 114 isconnected with a circuit including a tube 1.15 whereby arapidenergization of the solenoids 28 and 28a `and al prompt interruption ofthe direct current through tube114 is effected. TheV solenoids 28 and28a operate the counter roll 10 in the manner described above.

Means for clearing the apparatus from a certain setting ofthelcpntrolmeans and for ybeing able to set the apparatuswfora diierent type ofoperation are provided in the following manner. A clearing lever 116with a bevelledv` surface 117 at its free end is mounted turnable'aroundra pivot pin 118 and is controlled by a spring 119 formovementbetween two limiting stop pins 120 and 121, respectively. In itsoperative position the lever 116 projects with its bevelled end 117 intothe circular path of the inductor means 104 in operative position.Theref fore during a rotation of the supporting element 102 all thoseplates 104 that were in operative position will strike against thesurface 117 and thereby be pushed back into inoperative position. Thelever 116 may be swung into inoperative position against pin 121.

Additional control means are provi-ded for moving the inductor means 104automatically into operative position without manually operating the`control elements 108. This can be done in such a manner that after onerevolution of the printing drum for printing sections of the form 2 inaccordance with the rst setting of the pins 103, automatically the pinsmay be selectively set for a reproduction of other sections of theprinting form during the next following revolution of the printing roll1.

`For this purpose a control arm 122 is fixed to a ratchet wheel 124which is rotatably mounted on the control shaft 99 and is operativelyconnected with a windable spring 125. The arm 122 is provided with atiltable cam member l123 which during rotation automatically moves a pin103 into operative position. For cooperation with the ratchet wheel 124a locking pawl 126 and astep controlling pawl 127 are turnably mountedon a pivot pin 128`attached to the disc 102 and are subject to action bysprings 129 and 130, respectively.

j The Vratchetwheel 124 is connected with an outwardly projecting handknob 131 which permits to turn Athe ratchet wheel 124 against the actionof the spring 125 7 into the desired position. During rotation ofprinting roll 1 and disc 102 the ratchet wheel 124 rotates also due' tothe effect of the locking pawl 126 and carries with it the control arm122. i i.

Shortly before the rotating elements return to the starting position thepawls 126 and 127 pass control pins 132 which are movable to and fromoperative positions in substantially radial direction with respect toshaft 99. Whenever the' pawls engage one of the control pins 132, theratchet and pawl device causes the control arm 122 to make one step inrelation to the disc 102 which occurs duc to the effect of the spring125 and is controlled by the step controlling pawl 127. The step of thecontrol arm 122 is carried out in a direction opposite to the directionof rotation of disc 102. Therefore, during this stepwise movement thecam member 123 at the end of control arm 122 engages the next followingpin 103 and if the latter was in inoperative position it will be pushedinto operative position. In any case the arm 122 stops after the stepwith the -cam member 123 located in the interval between two successivepins 103. v

If more than one of the control pins 132, for instance two such pins,have been placed into operative position in which they are held bylocking means including a spring supported ball snapping intocorresponding grooves, then the engagement of the pawls with two controlpins 132 in succession results in two consecutive automatic steps of thecontrol lever 122. It is evident that in this matter by using aplurality of control pins 132 an automatic shifting from rst selectedsections of the form to other consecutive sections of the form can beattained the number of sections reproduced on account of the automaticsetting by control arm 122 corresponding to the number of control pins132 placed into operative position. However. the selective setting ofthe control pins 132 can also be done in such a manner that for instancefirst the printing is done in single line arrangement and that thecontrol pins 132 are set lfor two line steps of the control arm so thatin this case only every other line is reproduced from the form.

Moreover, the device functions in such a mannerthat if for instancereproduction of several lines has been carried out and if the controlpins 132 for the ratchets 126, 127 has been set accordingly, it is notnecessary to set manually the pins 103 for reproduction of the nextfollowing series of lines. The control arm 122 moving stepwise asdescribed brings automatically the pins 103 with the inductor means 104into operative position in accordance with the setting of the controlpins 132, without any necessity of a manual operation.

Fig. 4 shows that the control shaft 99 and therefore the axis ofrotation of the rotary supporting element 102 is oriented at a 90 anglewith respect to the direction ofk the shaft 3 of the printingy roll..According to Fig. 4 a set of bevel gears is interposed between the twoshafts. Fig. 8 serves to illustrate an alternative as in this case aworm 133 and a worm wheel 134 constitute the driving connection betweenthe shafts 3 and 99.

Referring now to Figs. 9 and 10, the embodiment of the inventionillustrated bv these figures is similar t-o the ones described before.However, the electric impulse generating means include in this case aphoto-electric device comprising a source of light and a cooperatingphoto-sensitive cell. A set of light bulbs 135 or similar sources oflight are mounted along a circle on a stationary supporting element. Thelight bulbs 135 are spaced from each other and associated respectivelywith sections Z1, Z2, Z3, etc. of the printing form 2. The individuallight bulbs 135 are connected to a source of supply and to a set ofswitches respectively associated with keys P1, P2, P3, etc. on akeyboard on the outside of the apparatus. In this manner any one of thebulbs 135 can be set into operative condition that means made to lightaccording to the selective setting or operation of the keys of thekeyboard.

.The shaft 34 carries a rotary or rotating supporting ele- -ment'constituted by an arm 136a which, in turn, carries at its outer end aphoto-sensitive cell 136. The cell 136 is connected by suitable'wires tocontact rings on or around the shaft 34 which in turn are continuouslyengaged by corresponding sliding contacts 137 and 138, respectively. Thecontacts 137 and 138 are connected into the electric circuit meansdescribed further below.

The radial distance of cell 136 from the axis of shaft 34 is the same asthe radius of the circle along which the light bulbs 135 are arranged.Therefore during rotation of shaft 34 the photo-sensitive cell 136successively passes the light bulbs 135. Whenever one light bulb 135 issubstantially in alignment with the cell 136 an electric impulse isgenerated in said cell 137. The circuit to which contacts 137, 138 areconnected comprises rectifier means and thyratron tubes. The currentgenerated in the cell 136 flows through the connecting lines from thecontacts 137, 138 to the control grid of a thyratron tube 139 and thereignites the tube 139 which otherwise is blocked by a negative biaspotential. The result of the ignition is that a direct current owsbetween the cathode and the anode -of the tube 139 and through thesolenoids 140 and 141 which are connected in parallel and serve as theelectromagnetic means for operating the counter roll 10 as has beendescribed above.

In an alternative of the just described embodiment the arrangement ofthe photo-electric device can be reversed. In case of this alternative,the bulbs 135 are arranged on a rotary supporting element revolving withshaft 34 while the photo-sensitive cell 136 is mounted stationarily on asupporting element.

It is evident that by selectively setting the keys and switches of thekeyboard the selected bulbs 135 are caused to emit light. While therotary supporting element with the light bulbs rotates in synchronismwith the printing roll the bulbs pass the stationary photo-sensitivecell 136 whereby a current is generated in the cell and is caused toflow to the grid of the tube 139 for igniting the latter. Through theignited thyratron the current flows to the solenoids 140, 141 wherebythe counter roll 10 is moved into printing position.

Referring now to Fig. 11 the embodiment according to this figure isillustrated more diagrammatically by showing the selector means, thestationary and rotary supporting elements and the circuit meansincluding the solenoids 28, 28a intended to operate the counter roll 10.The mechanical equipment of the apparatus is to be assumed to begenerally similar to the embodiments illustrated by the other drawingsof this application.

As the wiring diagram shows, two separate keyboards are used forselecting the sections of the printing form intended to be reproduced.One keyboard comprises a set of keys T1, T2, T3, etc. each key beingassociated with a switch. The second keyboard comprises a set of keys I,II, III, etc. each also being associated with a switch. Each keyboard isdivided into two similar groups, one assigned to cooperate with thesolenoids 28, the other one with the solenoids 28a.

Each switch of the first mentioned keyboard T1, T2. T3, etc. isconnected to a series of associated contacts K1, K2, K3, etc. mounted ona stationary supporting element 151. The set of keys and contacts isrespectively associated with sections of the printing form. The contactsK1, K2, K3, etc. are arranged along circles on the support 151. Thespecial arrangement in this case is such that'alternatively theconsecutive contacts are arranged on the larger and smaller concentriccircle and each contact on the inner circles is offset against theneighboring contacts'on the outer circle by one-half the angularinterval between the contacts on the outer circle. The switches on thekeyboard are connected with the contacts K1, K2, etc. in such a mannerthat two consecutive keys T1, T2, operate the contacts K1 and K2 andconnect them if the key switches are closed to the same group ofsolenoids. By using the two groups of key and contact trienibe'rs andyof solenoids a considerably higher printing speed is obtainable. v

In the center of the stationary support 1 51 a shaft is 'arranged whichcarries a rotating supporting element 156 which in turn is provided withcontacts adapted to engage during rotation of a`r m 156 successively thevarious contacts on thesuppjort y1517. The contacts on arm 156 areconnected with each other so that as they pass over the stationarycontacts which are offset against each other the time of closing the'Whole circuit will be determined by the time the Contact on arm 156takes to travel for instance over the stationary contact K1 if thecorresponding key T1 was operated. However if also the neighboring keyT2 was operated then theltime of closing the 4circuit will be extendedinan overlapping manner by the time which the 'second contact on arm 156takes to travel over contact K2.

Referring again to thewiring diagram, it can be seen that the apparatusis supplied with the usual 220vo1t or 11G-volt A. C. Since, however,applicationof A. C. to solenoid 28, 28a would result in a delay factorof 20 milliseconds, the A. C. is converted into D. C. by means of arectifier tube 153 which assures a very satisfactory performance of thesolenoids 28, 28a. The thyratron tubes 154, 154a are rst of all blockedby a suitable bias potential. .4

If for instance the key T3 is in actuated position so that thecorresponding switch is closed, the resistor 155 is shunted by thecircuit means including the connection to contact spring 157 on yarm156;

l When the apparatus is 4 started ,the arm156 revolves' in synchronismwith lthe printingroll 1. Whenever the arm 156 with its contacts engagesthe stationary Contact K3 then the resistance 155 is shunted through thekey switch T3, the contact arm 156 and the sliding contact 157. Theshunting of resistor 1 55 has the effect of an electric impulse becauseby the shunting of resistor 155 the potential drop in the voltagedivider155, 158, 159 is changed whereby thethyratron 154 receives Van ignitingimpulse at a raised voltage through the condenser 160. The ignitingimpulse causes the solenoid 2d to be 4energized by the thyratron tube154. In theanode connection from thyratron V154 to the solenoids'ZSarapid action circuit 161 comprising a condenser and a resistor may bearranged for the purpose of causing the solenoids 28 to react faster. si t When the contacts of thearni 156 leave thel stationary contact K3 adrop of voltage occurs at thevoltage divider 155, 158, 159 so that thevoltage lreturnsV toits normal value, the voltage drop resulting in animpulse through the condenser `162. to an `'amplifier tube 163, Theamplified impulse causesan igniting impulse through the condenser 164 tothe second thyratron 165 whichr closes a circuit to the resistor 166 forthe purpose of extinguishing the first thyratron 154. The sudden changeof the voltage potential from plus to minus at the condenser 167 causesa rapid and immediate collapse' of the potential causing theextinguishing of `thethyratron 154.v Therefore the solenoids 28, areVnow `without energization. k

As demonstrated above, the time during which the circuit is closed whileone of the contacts of arm 156 is in engagement with one of thestationary contacts K1 etc. depends upon the dimensionof the stationarycontact measured in the direction of rotation. By using also the secondset of stationary contacts K2, K4 etc. the times of contact engagementoverlap and thereby the duration of the shunted status of resistor 155and the time of the counter roll held in printing position isextendeduIn this case the apparatus and itsnfunction is insensitive to variationsof the speed of rotation.

The above mentioned second keyboard together with a second stationaryand rotary supportinguelement 152 and 168, respectively, with a setof,stationary` contacts Kzl, Kzz, Kzs, etc. is @entleert-.a ttsl the jretf'of `the above described system in parallel and functionsexactly inthe samenia'nneraiid with the sarneeli'ects. The difference is ythat thekeys I', II, etc. can be used for connecting several groups vof thestationary contacts simultaneously for the purpose of igniting the.thyratron tube 154. By operating for instance the key Itmore than oneline or section of the printing form can be reproduced consecutively andin one continuous block.

It will be understood that eachof the elements described above, or twoor more together, may also find a useful application in other types ofprinting .apparatus differing from the types described above.

While the inventionhas been illustratedand described as embodied in anapparatus for selective intermittent printing, it is not intended to belimited to the details shown, since various modifications and structuralchanges may be made Without departing in any way from the spirit of thepresent invention.

Without `further. analysis, the foregoing Will so fully reveal the gistof the present invention that others can by applying current knowledgereadily adapt it for various applications Without omitting featuresthat, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essentialcharacteristics of the generic or specific aspects of thisinventionhand, therefore, such adaptations `should and are intended tobe comprehended within the meaning and range ofl equivalence ofthefollowing claims.

Whatis claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:` u

1. Ina printing apparatus, in combination, a frame; a printing rollcarried forrotationabout its axis by said frame and adapted to have aprintingform fixed thereto; acounter roll carried bysaid frame formovement to and from an operatingposition in close proximity to saidprintingroll for pressing a ,copy sheet against said printing` form,ysaid counter roll having an axis parallel to that of said printingroll;v an electrical moving device operatively connected to said counterroll for moving the same in response to electrical impulses to and fromsaid operating position; a first supporting element and a secondsupporting element -mounted on said frame, said second supportingelement being movablerelative to said first supporting element; anelectric impulse generating device including first impulse generatingAmeans comprising a set of members respectively associated with sectionsof Said printing form, and second impulse generating means, said firstand secbnd means cooperating for generating electrical impulses', saidfirst impulse generating means being mounted on one of said supportingelements, and said second impulse generating means being mounted on theother of said supporting elements, so that the means mounted on saidsecond supporting element move along aA predeterniinedpath, the meansmounted on said first supporting element` being located along said pathso that during the relative movement of said supporting elements, one ofsaid members and said second impulse generating means are in mutuallyaligned positions for creating an electric impulse; circuit meansconnecting said impulse generating device with said electrical movingdevice and including electronic means for transmitting said impulses tosaid electrical moving device for operating `the same whenever animpulse is generated by said impulse generating device; selector meansmounted on said frame and including a set of control elementsrespectively associated with sections of said printing form and withsaid members of said first impulse generating means for placing selectedmembers of said first impulse genet-'ating means into operativecondition; and drive means operatively connected to said printing rolland to said second supporting element for moving the same wherebyselected sections of said printing form corresponding to selectedcontrol elements and members of said first impulse generating" means inoperative condition are printed on copy sheet passing between saidrolls.

In ai printingfapparatiis, in combination, a frame; a printing rollcarried for rotation about its axis by said frame and adapted to have aprinting form fixed thereto; a counter rollcarried by said frame formovement to and from an operating position in clo-se proximity to saidprinting roll for pressing a copy sheet against said printing form, saidcounter roll having an axis parallel to that of said printing7 roll; anelectrical moving device operatively connected to said counter roll formoving the same in response to electrical impulses to and from saidoperating position; a first supporting element and a second supportingelement mounted on said frame, said second supporting element beingrotatable relative to said first supporting element; an electric impulsegenerating device including first impulse generating means comprising aset of members respectively associated with sections of said printingform, and second impulse generating means, said first and second meanseooperating for generating electrical impulses, said first impulsegenerating means Vbeing mounted on one of said supporting elements, andsaid second impulse generating means being mounted on vthe other of saidsupporting elements, so that the means mounted on said second supportingelement move along a circular path about the rotary axis of said secondsupporting element, the means mounted on said first supporting elementbeing located along said circular path so that during the relativemovement of said supporting elements, one of said members and saidsecond impulse generating means are in mutually aligned positions forcreating an electric impulse; circuit means connecting said impulsegenerating device with said electrical moving device and includingelectronic means for transmitting said impulses to said electricalmoving device for operating the same whenever an impulse is generated bysaid impulse generating device; selector means mounted on said frame andincluding a set of control elements respectively associated withsections of said printing form and with said members of said firstimpulse generating means for placing selected members of said firstimpulse generating means into operative condition; and drive meansoperatively connected to said printing roll and to said secondsupporting element for moving the same whereby selected sections of saidprinting form corresponding to selected control elements and members ofsaid first impulse generating means in operative condition are printedon a copy sheet passing between said rolls.

3. In a printing apparatus, in combination, a frame; a printing rollcarried for rotation about its axis by said frame and adapted to have aprinting form fixed thereto; a counter roll carried by said frame formovement to and from an operating position in close proximity to saidprinting roll for pressing a copy sheet against said printing form, saidcounter roll having an axis parallel to that of said printing roll; anelectrical moving device operatively connected to said counter roll formoving the same in response to electrical impulses to and from saidoperating position; a first supporting element and a second supportingelement mounted on said frame, said second supporting element beingrotatable relative to said first supporting element; an electricalimpulse generating device including a set of induction coil means onsaid first supporting element and being located spaced from each otheralong a circle having a center located in the axis of said secondsupporting element, said induction coil means being respectivelyassociated with sections of said printing form, and induction meansmounted on said second supporting element for rotation around the axisof said circle along a circular path of same diameter as said circle andin close proximity to said induction coil means and for inducinginductive electric impulses in said coil means, whereby an electricimpulse is generated in each of said coil means whenever during rotationsaid induction means passes one of said induction coil means; circuitmeans connecting said impulse gen-V erating device with said electricalmoving device and including electronic means for transmitting saidimpulses to said electrical moving device for operating the samewhenever an impulse is generated in one of said induction coil means;selector means mounted on said frame and including a set of controlswitch elements respectively associated with sections of said printingform and with said induction coil means for connecting selectedinduction coil means into said circuit; and drive means operativelyconnected to said printing roll and to said second supporting elementfor moving the same whereby selected sections of said printing formcorresponding to selected control elements and members of said firstimpulse generating means in operative condition are printed on a copysheet passing between said rolls.

4. In a printing apparatus, in combination, a frame; a printing rollcarried for rotation about its axis by said frame and adapted to have aprinting form fixed thereto; a counter roll carried by said frame formovement to and from an operating position in close proximity to saidprinting roll for pressing a copy sheet against said printing form, saidcounter roll having `an axis parallel to that of said printing roll; anelectrical moving device operatively connected to said counter roll formoving the same in response to electrical impulses to and from saidoperating position; a first supporting element and a second supportingelement mounted on said frame, said second supporting element beingrotatable relative to said first supporting element; an electricalimpulse generating device including a set of magnets mounted on saidfirst supporting element and located spaced from each other along acircle having a center located in the axis of said second supportingelement, said magnets being respectively associated with sections ofsaid printing form, a coil of wire wound around each of said magnets,and an armature member mounted on said second supporting element forrotation around the axis of said circle along a circular path of samediameter as said circle and in close proximity to said magnets and forinducing inductive electric irnpulses in said coils, whereby an electricimpulse is generated in each of said coils whenever during rotation saidarmature member passes one of said magnets; circuit means connectingsaid impulse generating device with said electrical moving device andincluding electronic means for transmitting said impulses to saidelectrical moving device for operating the same whenever an impulse isgenerated in one of said coils; selector means mounted on said frame andincluding a set of control switch elements respectively associated withsections of said printing form and with said coils for connectingselected coils into said circuit; and drive means operatively connectedto said printing roll and to said second supporting element for movingthe same whereby selected sections of said printing form correspondingto selected control elements and members of said first impulsegenerating means in operative condition are printed on a copy sheetpassing between said rolls.

5. In a printing apparatus, in combination, a frame; a printing rollcarried for rotation about its axis by said frame and adapted to have aprinting form fixed thereto; a counter roll carried by said frame formovement to and from an operating position in close proximity to saidprinting roll for pressing a copy sheet against said printing form, saidcounter roll having an axis parallel to that of said printing roll; anelectrical moving device operatively connected to said counter roll formoving the same in response to electrical impulses to and from saidoperating position; a first supporting element and a second supportingelement mounted on said frame, said second supporting element beingrotatable relative to said first supporting element; an )electricalimpulse generating device including a set of permanent magnets mountedon said first supporting element and located; spaced from each otheralong a circle having a center located in the axis of said secondsupporting element, said permanent magnets being respectively associatedwith sections of said printing form, said magnets including each of apair of pole pieces 13 projecting therefrom with a small gap leftbetween their free ends, a `coil `of wire woundaaroundneach of said polepieces and an armature member mountedL on said second supporting elementfdr rotation around the axis of said circle along a circular path ofsameA diameter as said circle and in close proximity to said permanentmagnets and for inducing linductive electric impulses in said coils,(whereby an electric impulse is generated in each of said coils wheneverduring rotation said armature member passes one of said gaps; circuitmeans connecting said impulse generating device with said electricalmoving device and including electronic means for transmitting saidimpulses to said electrical moving device for operating the samewhenever an impulse is generated in one of said coils; selector meansmounted on said frame and including a set of control switch elementsrespectively associated with sections of said printing form and withsaid coils for connecting selected coils into saidrcircuit; and drivemeans operatively connected to said printing roll and to said secondsupporting element for moving the same whereby selected sections of saidprinting form corresponding to selected control elements and members ofsaid first impulse generating means in operative condition are printedon a copy sheetl passing between said rolls.

6. An arrangement as set forth in claim 2, Vwherein said electricalmoving device includesV a linkage pivotally mounted on said frame andcarrying said counter roll, and

asis-,ni

fronjritisv priniing position whenever said electrmagnetie is energizedby said electricv impulse; said moving device including coupling meansturnablyrmounted on said frame and connected with said linkage and saidmovable member of said electromagnetic means, and nidi/able by saidelectromagnetic means from an inoperaytive position to an operativeposition, a portion of said coupling means projecting in operativeposition into said circular path of said actuating means whereby saidcounter electromagnetic means including 'a movablernember conj nected tosaid linkage for operating the same and connected into said circuitmeans whereby said counter roll is moved to and from its printingposition whenever said electromagnetic means is energized by saidelectric impulse.

7. An arrangement as set forth in claim 2, and including a set ofactuating means mounted on saidsecond supporting member and spaced fromeach other on said second supporting element along a circular pathconcentric with said circular path of said impulse generating meansmounted on said second supporting element, each of said actuating meansbein-g respectively associated with sections of said printing roll andwith said members of said first impulse generating means; saidelectrical moving device including a linkage pivotally mounted in saidframe and carrying said counter roll, and electromagnetic meansincluding a movable member connected to said linkage for operating thesame and connected into said circuit means whereby said counter roll ismoved to and from its printing position whenever said electromagneticmeans is energized by said electric impulse; and said moving deviceincluding coupling means turnably mounted in said frame and connectedwith said linkage and said movable member of said electromagnetic means,and movable by said electromagnetic means from an inoperative positionto an operative position, a portion of said coupling means projecting inoperative position into said circular path of said actuating meanswhereby Said counter roll is moved into printing position, whenever saidcoupling means is moved by said electromagnetic means into operativeposition and into engagement with said actuating means. j

8. An arrangement as set forth in claim 2, and including a set ofactuating means mounted on said second supporting member and spaced fromeach other on said second supporting element along a circular pathconcentric with said circular path of said impulse generating meansmounted on said second supporting element, each of said actuating meansbeing respectively associated with sections of said printing roll andwith said members of said rst impulse generating means; said electricalmoving device includes a linkage pivotally mounted insaid frame andcarrying said counter roll, and electromagnetic means including amovable member connected to said linkage for operating the same andconnected into said circuit means whereby said counter roll is moved toand roll is moved into printing position, whenever said coupling meansis moved by said electromagnetic means into operative position and intoengagement with said actuating means; said coupling means being a feelerarm pivotally niointed on said frame, for turning to and from anoperative position and having an end portion projecting into thecircular path of said actuating means when in operative position, asecond arm mounted coaxially with said feeler arm in saidrframe andoperatively onnected said linkage, two links` pivotally connected witheach other and respectively with said feeler arm and said second arm soas to constitute a toggle device movable to and from an operativeposition and connected with said electromagnetic means for being movedfrom inoperative to an operative position so that whenever said toggledevice is moved i-nto operative position said feeler arm and said secondarm are angularly moved relatively to each other and that said feelerarm is moved into operative position.

9. An arrangement as set forth in claim 2 wherein said selector meansinclude a set of key members mounted on said frame and respectivelyassociated with sections of said printing form and with said impulsegenerating members, a set of switches respectively associated with saidkey members for connecting selected impulse generating members into saidcircuit.

Al0. An arrangement as set forth in claim 1, wherein said electronicmeans include energizing means connected in circuit with saidelectromagnetic means, switch means connected in circuit between saidenergizing and said electromagnetic means and operable between acircuitclosing condition wherein said electromagnetic means is energizedand a circuit-opening condition wherein said electromagnetic means isdeenergized, said switch means being responsive to said impulse,transmitted from said impulse generating means for changing said switchmeans between its circuit-opening and circuit-closing conditions.

ll. An arrangement asset forth in claim l, wherein said electronic meansinclude energizing means connected in circuit with said electromagneticmeans, switch means connected in circuit between said energizing andsaid electromagnetic means and operable between a circuitclosingcondition wherein said electromagnetic means is energized and acircuit-opening condition wherein said electromagnetic means isdeenergized, said switch means being responsive to one portion of saidimpulse transmitted from said impulse generating means for changing saidswitch means from circuit-opening condition to circuit-closing conditionand responsive to another portion of said impulse for changing saidswitch means from circuit-closing condition toy circuit-openingcondition.

12. In a pri-nting apparatus, in combination, a frame; a printing rollcarried for rotation about its axis by said frame and adapted to have aprinting form fixed thereto; a counter roll carried by said frame formovement to and from an operating position in close proximity to saidprinting roll for pressi-ng a copy sheet against said printing form,said counter roll having an axis parallel to that of said printing roll;a plurality of electrical moving devices operatively connected to saidcounter roll for moving the same in response to electrical impulses toand from said operating position; a plurality of rst supporting elementsand a plurality of s econd supporting elements mounted on said frame,each of said second supporting elements being associated with one ofsaid rst supporting elements and movable relative thereto; a plu"-rality of electric impulse generating devices including first impulsegenerating means each comprising a set of members respectivelyassociated with sections of said printing form, and second impulsegenerating means, said first and second means cooperating for generatingelectrical impulses, said first impulse generating means being mountedon one of said supporting elements, and said second impulse generatingmeans being mounted on the other of said supporting elements, so thatthe means mounted on said second supporting element move along acircular path about the rotary axis of said second supporting element,the means mounted on said first supporting element being located along'said circular path so that during the relative movement of saidsupporting elements, one of said members and said second impulsegenerating means are in mutually aligned positions for creating anelectric impulse; circuit means connecting said impulse generatingdevice with said electrical moving device and including electronic meansfor transmitting said impulses to said electrical moving device foroperating the same whenever an impulse is generated by each impulsegenerating device; selector means mounted on said frame and including aset of control elements respectively associated with sections of saidprinting form and with said members of said first impulse generatingmeans for placing selected members of said first impulse generatingmeans into operative condition; and drive means operatively connected tosaid printing roll and to said second supporting elements for moving thesame whereby selected sections of said printing form corresponding toselected control elements and members of said first impulse generatingmeans in operative condition are printed on a copy sheet passing betweensaid rolls.

13. In a printing apparatus, in combination, a frame; a printing rollcarried by rotation about its axis by said frame and adapted to have aprinting form fixed thereto; a counter roll carried by said frame formovement to and from an operating position in close proximity to saidprinting roll for pressing a copy sheet against said printing form, saidcounter roll having an axis parallel to that of said printing roll; anelectrical moving device operatively connected to said counter roll formoving the same in response to electrical impulses to and from saidoperating position; a first supporting element and a second supportingelement mounted on said frame, said second supporting element beingrotatable relative toy said first supporting element; an electricimpulse generating device including a set of induction means mounted onsaid second supporting element spaced from each other along a circle andbeing respectively associated with sections of said printing form andbeing individually movable transversely of said second supportingelement to and from an operative position, for travelling in operativeposition along a circular path, and induction coil means mounted on saidfirst supporting element at a point along said circular path and inclose proximity thereto, whereby an electric impulse is generated insaid induction coil means whenever anyone of said induction means inoperative position passes by said induction coil means during rotation;circuit means connecting said impulse generating device with saidelectrical moving device and including electronic means for transmittingsaid impulses to said electrical moving device for operating the samewhenever an impulse is generated in said induction coil means; selectormeans mounted on said first supporting element and including a set ofcontrol elements respectively associated with sections of said printingform and with said induction means, and located spaced from `each otheralong a circle of same diameter as said circular path, for selectivelymoving said induction me'ansinto operative position; and drive meansoperatively connected to said printing roll and to said secondsupporting element for moving the same whereby selected sections of saidprinting form corresponding to selected control elements and members ofsaid first impulse generating means in operative condition are printedon a copy sheet passing between said rolls.

14. In a printing apparatus, in combination, a frame; a printing rollcarried for rotation about its axis by said frame and adapted to have aprinting form fixed thereto; a counter roll carried by said frame formovement to and from an operating position in close proximity to saidprinting roll for pressing a copy sheet against said printing form, saidcounter roll having an axis parallel to that of said printing roll; anelectrical moving device operatively connected to said counter roll formoving the same in response to electrical impulses to and from saidoperating position; a first supporting element and a second supportingelement mounted on said frame, said second supporting element beingrotatable relative to said first supporting element; an electric impulsegenerating device including a set of armature members mounted on saidsecond supporting element spaced from each other along a circle andbeing respectively associated with sections of said printing form andbeing individually movable transversely of said second supportingelement to and from an operative position, for traveling in operativeposition along a circular path, and magnet means mounted on said firstsupporting element at a point along said circular path and in closeproximity thereto, a coil of wire wound around said magnet, whereby anelectric impulse is generated in said coil whenever anyone of saidarmature members in operative position passes by said coil duringrotation; circuit means connecting said impulse generating device withsaid electrical moving device and including electronic means fortransmitting said impulses to said electrical moving device foroperating the same whenever an impulse is generated in said coil;selector means mounted on said first supporting element and including aset of control elements respectively associated with sections of saidprinting form and with said armature members, and located spaced fromeach other along a circle of same diameter as said circular path, forselectively moving said armature members into operative position; anddrive means operatively connected to said printing roll and to saidsecond supporting element for moving the same whereby selected sectionsof said printing form corresponding to selected control elements andmembers of said first impulse generating means in operative conditionare printed on a copy sheet passing between said rolls.

15. In a printing apparatus, in combination, a frame; a printing rollcarried for rotation about its axis by said frame and adapted to have aprinting form fixed thereto; a counter roll carried by said frame formovement to and from an operating position in close proximity to saidprinting roll for pressing a copy sheet against said printing form, saidcounter roll having an axis parallel to that of said printing roll; anelectrical moving device operatively connected to Vsaid counter roll formoving the same in response to electrical impulses to and from saidoperating position; a first supporting element and a second supportingelement mounted on said frame, said second supporting element beingrotatable relative to said first supporting element; an electric impulsegenerating device including a set of armature members mounted on saidsecond supporting element spaced from each other along a circle andbeing respectively associated with sections of said printing form andbeing individually movable transversely of said second supportingelement to and from an operative position, for traveling in operativeposition along a circular path, and a permanent magnet means mounted onsaid first supporting element at a point along said circular path and inclose proximity thereto, a pair of pole pieces projecting from` saidmagnet withl a small gap left between their free ends and a coil of wirewound around said pole piece-s, whereby an electric impulse is generatedin said coil whenever anyone of said armature members in operativeposition passes by said gap during rotation; cirooit means.aportes-sting said v'trips-tlse generating dei/ies with .said eleetrisalnioviog 'dei/fies and insluiting t .tronic means for transmitting saidimpulses to cleo trical moving `devies for operating the saine wheneveran impulse is generated in said ooilf; `selector spaans mounted op saidnist supporting .element and -inplnding a set of veontnal elementsrespepf 4.ely associated gestions of said printing foins .and with ad,ar .attire members., and located spaced from eaoli other g -a oirole ofsaine diameter. as said oireplar path, for seleotiyely moving .saidannotare members into (operative positions and driye means operativelyoonneeted to ,said printing roll and to .said second suppor g ,elenient,for moving the sanne whereby selooted soot ing forni `oorr..espontling.to selected ooptrol e members of said rstimpulse generating mean-s in,op- `stative condition are printed lon aoopy slieetpassing betweensaidrolls.. A'

:1..6 In .a printing apparatus, in combination,

trarne;

.a printing roll .carried tor rotation .about .its airis lay said ltranscend adapted .tonaye a printing torni .naad thereto; a .counterrollearried by saisi .trame for ,moyens tio and .tronnan operatingposition .in close proirinsiy tto ...said nnting poll tor pressing .a.oopy sheet" gainst -said print- .los for ...d f unter'troll paying an iMing roll; .electrical nioyingdeviee operatively .Connected to `saisi.`counter roll tor inovingthe .saine resp toeleetrioal impulses .to andfrornlsaid operating position; aiirstlsppportingelernent.and .aseoondsupporting element mounted on .,s'aid fr niensaid second snppordngelerne t ing 1; le .relative .to said supporting element; an electricincluding a sot of indnotion n second supporting element spacedtfrorn-.eaoll otl1.e.rlong a circle and Vbeing'respectively associatedwith i A nnpplse .gensratingde sections of said printing form andbreingrindividually movable transversely of said second supportingelement to and from an operative position., tor traveling in operativeposition along a circular path, ap d inductionygoilmeans mounted onsaidtirst supporting ele ent at a point along said circular path and inclose proxinllty thereto, whergby an electric 'impulse is generated insaid induction coil means whenever anyone of said induction meansinoperative position passes play said induction A,coil means duringrotation; cirpit means connecting said impulse 1generating device -withsaid electrical movirilg device andi'ingqluding yelectronic means{or-transmitting 'said 'impulses to said electrical moving device foroperating the same whenever an impulse is generated in said inductioncoil means; selector means mounted on said first supporting element andincluding a set of control members respectively associated with sectionsof said printing form and with said induction means, and located spacedfrom each other along a circle of same diameter as said circular path,said control members being movable transversely of said rst and .secondsupporting elements to and from an operative position and being spacedfrom each other at the same intervals as said induction means, formoving in operative position an associated induction means into itsoperative position; and drive means operatively connected to sadprinting roll and to said second supporting element for moving the samewhereby selected sections of said printing form corresponding toselected control elements and members of said lirst impulse generatingmeans in operative condition are printed on a copy sheet passing betweensaid rolls.

17. An arrangement as set forth in claim 16, wherein said rst supportingelement is a plate perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said secondsupporting element and extending in a plane parallel to the axis ofrotation of said printing roll, said rotary second supporting elementincluding a rotary control member turnable about said axis of rotationthereof and including an actuating element movable along a circular pathlocated between said set of induction means and said set of controlmembers; Wind- .asis parallel to .aisle spring :ineens engaging saidrotary icontrol .nieoiber Vand said :rotary second supporting relement.and tending .to said rotary control niet-aber .in a direction ,oppositeto the rotation of ,said rotary second supporting element, Ineans forwinding said spring .and means .on said ,second supporting element forholding said rotary control memoor in a selected position against .theaotionof said spring, and .release means mounted on said .fratriemovable' from .api peratiye .to an Yopstative position and projectinginto the path ,of said ,holding rneans for moving' .the latter into .aposition permitting said vrotary Qontrol niernber to :nove onde he.action of said spring and .to more a seleoted s g member .intooperative position.

1.8, .arrangement as' set forth in .olaini 1.3, inelnding release.nieans Aino nted on said frame. 4,and movable .between .an inoperativeand an operative position, said ,release ineans projecting in itsoperative position into .said Circular path of said indpotion kmeansAlior noot/,ing thorn braak linto their .inoperative position- 19. vI na printing apparatus, in combination, a frame; a printing roll carriedfor rotation `about its axis 'by said frameand adapted to have aprinting form fixed thereto; a counter roll carried by said frame formovement ,to and from an operating position in close proximity to saidprinting roll for pressing a copy sheet `against said printing form,said counter -`roll'having an axis parfallcl to that ofsaid printingroll; .an electrical moving device operatively connectd to said counterroll for moving the'same in response -to electrical impulses to and from`said operating position; a first supporting element and a secondlsupporting element mounted on said lframe, said second supportingelement .being rotatable relative -.-to said llirst Vsupporting element;an electric impulse generating `device -including frst `impulsegenerating -means comprising a set vofimembers mounted'on said firstsupporting element spaced -from each other along `a circle -and ,beingrespectively associated with sections of said printing form, and .second-impulse .generating means mounted on said `second 1supporting elementforrotation .on a circular path .of same diameter as said circle and yinClose .proximity thereto, each .of said members and said second impulse'generating -means .in .aligned .position .together constituting :a.photoelectric device including a source .of light .and `a,photosensitive cell, .whereby an .electric impulse is lgenerated insaidtphotosensitive .cell whenever during rotation lsaid lcellistlocated opposite one .of lsaid sources of lig-ht; ,circuit meansconnecting said .impulse generating device with said electrical movingdevice and including electronic means for transmitting said impulses tosaid electrical moving device for operating the same whenever an impulseis generated in said impulse generating device; selector means mountedon said frame and including a set of control elements respectivelyassociated with sections of said printing form and with said impulsegenerating members for connecting selected members into said circuit;and drive means operatively connected to said printing roll and to saidsecond supporting element for moving the same whereby selected sectionsof said printing form corresponding to selected control elements andmembers of said rst impulse generating means in operative condition areprinted on a copy sheet passing between said rolls.

20. An arrangement as set forth in claim 19, wherein said electricimpulse generating device includes a set of sources of light mounted onone of said supporting elements, and wherein said second impulsegenerating means is a photosensitive cell mounted on the othersupporting element.

2l. An arrangement as set forth in claim i9, wherein said electricalimpulse generating device includes a set of photosensitive cells mountedon one of said supporting elements and wherein said second impulsegenerating means is a source of light mounted on the other supportingelement.

2,2. An arrangement as set forth in claim 19, wherein and from anoperating position in close proximity to said printing roll for pressinga copy sheet against said printing form, said counter roll having anaxis parallel to that of said printing roll; an electrical moving deviceoperatively connected to said counter roll for moving the same inresponse'to electrical impulses to and from said operating position; afirst supporting element and a second supporting element mounted on saidframe, said second supporting element being rotatable relative to said`first supporting element; an electric impulse generating deviceincluding first impulse generating contact means comprising a set ofcontact members respectively associated with sections of said printingform, and second impulse generating contact means, said first and secondcontact means cooperating for generating electrical impulses, said firstimpulse generating contact means being mounted on one of said supportingelements, and said second impulse generating Contact means being mountedon the other of said supporting elements, so that the contact meansmounted on said second supporting element move along a circular pathabout the rotary axis of said second supporting element, the contactmeans mounted on said first supporting element being located along saidcircular path so that during the relative movement of said supportingelements, one of said contact members and said second contact impulsegenerating means Vare in mutually aligned positions and contact eachother for creating an electric impulse; said impulse generating deviceincluding resistor means Ahaving one end connected to the contactmembers of said set of contact members, and the other end connected tosaid second impulse generating contact means whereby during rotation ofsaid second supporting element said resistor means is shunted wheneversaid contact members and means are in aligned ,45 positions; circuitmeans connected to the ends of said resistor means and connecting saidimpulse generating 'device with said electrical moving device andincluding electronic means for transmitting impulses created by shuntingof said resistor means to said electrical moving device for operatingthe same; selector means mounted on said frame and including a set ofcontrol elements respectively associated with sections of said printingform and with said members of said first impulse generating means forplacing selected members of said first impulse generating means intooperative condition; and drive means operatively connected to saidprinting roll and to said second supporting element for moving the samewhereby selected sections of said printing form corresponding toselected control elements and members of said first impulse generatingmeans in operative condition are printed on a copy sheet passing betweensaid rolls.

24. An arrangement as set forth in claim 23, wherein said electricalimpulse generating device includes a plurality of said first supportingelements and an equal ynumber of said second supporting elements, oneset of contact members mounted on each of said first supporting elementsspaced from each other along a circle and respectively associated withsections of said printing form, and second impulse generating meanscomprising at least one contact means mounted on each of said secondsupporting elements, so that during rotation at least one of saidcontact means mounted on said second supporting element successivelyengages said contact members mounted on the associated first supportingelement, and said selector means including a plurality of sets of con-Vtrol elements respectively associated with sections of said printingform and with said sets of contact members for placing selected contactmembers of one selected set of contact members into operative condition.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

